Thursday's matchup: Blackhawks at Senators

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson has five goals and 21 assists this season.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson has five goals and 21 assists this season.

(Paul Sancya / AP)

Chicago Tribune

TV/radio: 6:30 p.m. Thursday; CSN, WGN-AM 720.

Storylines: The Senators have been a playoff-caliber team in the Eastern Conference, ranking fifth in goals per game but 22nd in goals allowed. They have dropped their last two after winning four straight.

Trending: Defenseman Erik Karlsson is the Senators' version of Duncan Keith, albeit a little more offensive-minded. He has five goals and 21 assists. Patrick Kane, who has at least one point in 20 consecutive games, has goals in two straight after not doing so in his previous five.